As a dual-nationality family (all four of us), who should we root for when Olympic Hockey comes around: Team Canada or Team USA?
Should we be good citizens and support our home team? Or get sucked into the nationalistic emotional frenzy being generated by all of our friends and relatives up north, over their national religion sport? More importantly, what kind of example should we set for our children?
Well, the answer is this: we tell the kids that we feel it’s a win-win for us any time Team Canada and Team USA compete in the Winter Olympics. How great is it that we have two home countries that have a shot at the medal? (In fact, twice over, because the women’s teams are just as formidable!) Aren’t we a lucky family?
Also, I love seeing Canada and US play, because I know we are absolutely guaranteed and exciting game. Both sides always play as if their lives depended on it! (Unlike this year’s, ahem, Superbowl. Hello? What happened?) In this year’s semi-final there were a total of SIXTY-EIGHT shots on goal. Only one went in!
But then, afterwards, comes what I think is the best part of all: the handshakes. That’s when you see the RESPECT that both teams have for each other: bro-handshakes, compliments, punches to the shoulder, bops on the helmet…
And I’ll never forget when, in Vancouver in 2010, after the game when the announcer called out each player for a big round of applause from the mostly Canadian audience — they sure as hell got one! And US goalie Rick Miller (who was still smarting from that single goal that got in) got a big, loud standing ovation! RESPECT!
So, isn’t that the true spirit of the Olympics? Yes it’s about competition. But isn’t it also about different nations coming together in the spirit of peace and showing each other respect? I certainly think so.
For the Win!
